GoKuwait Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1. Visa

Kuwait entry visa is a "return visa", which means that the visa applicant entrusts their Kuwaiti guarantor (unit) to apply for and collect the visa from the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait, and then mail the original visa to the applicant. The visa is printed in Arabic, stamped with the official seal of the immigration bureau, and signed by immigration officials.

Kuwait has implemented an electronic visa policy, allowing citizens holding Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passports to directly apply for electronic visas online. In addition, those who hold a long-term residency visa (valid for more than 6 months) from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country and have their residency visa marked as a doctor, engineer, lawyer, judge, university professor, consultant, media, pilot, programmer, manager, businessman, diplomatic mission, etc., can also apply for an electronic visa. You can log in to the Ministry of Interior's electronic visa website to inquire about specific requirements and apply for an electronic visa: https://evisa.moi.gov.kw/evisa/home_e.do .

Ministry of Interior website: https://www.moi.gov.kw/portal/venglish/ You can search for Kuwait visa types and required documents on this website.

(1) Visa free application

Chinese citizens holding valid diplomatic, official, or service ordinary passports who stay in Kuwait for no more than 30 days are exempt from visa requirements. If staying for more than 30 days or for any profit-making activities such as work, one should apply for a visa in accordance with the regulations of the competent authorities of the Kuwaiti government.

(2) Short term visa

Short term visa for personal reasons. Short term visas for personal purposes include business, tourism, and family visit visas, which allow for a one month stay upon entry. The visa is applied for and collected by the applicant's guarantor in Kuwait at the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait, and then the original visa is mailed to the applicant. Applicants can visit the department with their original visa and passport.

Short term visa for business purposes. For Chinese people who go to Kuwait for a short-term visit on business, the inviter shall directly apply to the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Kuwait, and then mail the original visa to the Chinese invitee, who can visit Kuwait with the original visa and passport.

(3) Long term visa

Long term visas mainly include work, family, medical, and study visas. The visa is applied for and collected by the applicant's guarantor (employer, school) in Kuwait at the Immigration Bureau of the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait, and then the original visa is mailed to the applicant. Applying for a work visa requires obtaining a work permit issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Social Security and Labor. To apply for a family visa, the applicant's guarantor must have a monthly salary of no less than 500 koku. Applying for a medical visa requires obtaining a certificate of consent from the Ministry of Health to allow the patient to seek medical treatment at a specialized hospital.

Long term visas require an interview at the Embassy of Kuwait in China. The applicant must bring the original visa, passport, certified medical examination certificate (with an additional pregnancy test for women), a notarized certificate of no criminal record, a 2-inch photo, and other documents. After confirming the visa information with the Embassy of Kuwait in China, the applicant can go to the embassy to submit the above materials and obtain an additional visa on their passport. The validity period of the health certificate is three months, and the validity period of the notarized certificate of no criminal offense is one month. When visitors holding a family visa come to the Embassy of China for a face-to-face interview, in addition to submitting the above materials, they also need to submit the guarantor's passport, a copy of their residence permit in China, and proof of their family relationship.

After entering Kuwait with a long-term visa, the applicant needs to apply for a residence ID from the Ministry of Interior within two months as the main identification document for living in Kuwait. Starting from 2021, Kuwait has launched the "Kuwait Mobile ID" app, which can display personal residence ID, driver's license, and other information in Kuwait.

(4) Visa on arrival

Holders of a long-term residence visa from a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) country (valid for more than 6 months) and with a specific occupation such as a manager, engineer, or doctor, nurse, etc. indicated on their residence visa, can apply for a tourist landing visa at Kuwait airport with their passport, round-trip airfare, GCC country long-term residence visa, etc. Kuwait generally does not issue tourist landing visas to travelers.

For specific matters, please consult the Embassy of Kuwait in China.

2. Entry and exit

Chinese citizens entering and leaving Kuwait are required to bring a valid passport, visa, and Kuwait ID card (if available).

Customs epidemic prevention and control

The tariffs in Kuwait range from 1% to 5% depending on the type of product. Some products that cannot be produced locally, such as food, can apply for duty-free entry; The tariff on tobacco products such as cigarettes is 100%. The specific precautions are as follows:

1. It is strictly prohibited to bring alcoholic beverages, pork, any form of weapons and dangerous equipment, as well as audiovisual and printed materials with obscene content into the country.

2. If you need to bring traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations or large dose of personal medication into the country, it is recommended to provide a doctor's prescription. If carrying a large dose of medication, it is recommended to translate the drug ingredients into Arabic or English in advance and complete notarization and certification procedures in China.

3. Kuwait allows visitors to bring international currency into the country, as well as high-value items such as gemstones, precious metals, and jewelry.

Website of the Customs Department: https://www.customs.gov.kw You can search for specific types of restricted or prohibited products and related explanations on this website.

Residency and Naturalization

1. Nationality Policy

Kuwait has a small land area and population, with over two-thirds of its residents coming from other Arab countries as well as Southeast Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, and the Philippines. As a country with high wages and high welfare, Kuwait is deeply influenced by Islam, and it is very difficult for foreigners to join Kuwait. Kuwait does not recognize dual nationality. According to the relevant provisions of Kuwait's nationality law, if the father is Kuwaiti, then regardless of where the child was born, they all have Kuwaiti nationality; If the mother is Kuwaiti, the father is unknown, or the father son relationship is not recognized by law, then regardless of where they were born, they have Kuwaiti nationality; Born in Kuwait, with unknown parents, and recognized as an abandoned infant with Kuwaiti nationality.

In addition, the Ministry of Interior of Kuwait has the right to grant Kuwaiti citizenship to those who meet one of the following conditions, but those who are granted citizenship do not have the right to vote for 20 years and are not allowed to serve in electoral units:

(1) Having resided legally in Kuwait continuously for no less than 20 years, possessing good character, having the ability to work, speaking Arabic, being born a pure Muslim or having converted to Islam according to the teachings before being granted Kuwaiti citizenship for 5 years.

(2) Make outstanding contributions to science.

(3) The mother is Kuwaiti, the foreign father is a prisoner of war, the parents have divorced or the father has passed away, and they lived with the same mother until adulthood.

Foreign wives of Kuwaitis do not naturally acquire Kuwaiti citizenship unless they apply to the Ministry of Interior and maintain their marital relationship for 5 years from the date of application.

2. Residence status

Foreigners who stay in Kuwait for a long time must go through residence procedures and obtain a long-term residence permit. Common residence permits include work residence, family residence, and study residence. Applicants for work residence must provide a legal contract, a notarized degree certificate, and a certificate of no criminal record. Applicants for family residency must provide a notarized proof of family relationship.

Kuwait risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

Kuwait has a stable society and a low crime rate. Kuwait regards Islam as its state religion, and visitors must pay attention to complying with relevant laws and regulations, respecting Islamic religion and customs, and not eating pork, drinking alcohol, or alcoholic beverages; Carry identification documents and passport copies with you when going out; In the event of an accident, promptly report to the police and request assistance and necessary consular protection from the Chinese embassy.

natural disaster

Kuwait has a tropical desert climate and is prone to sandstorms in spring, so precautions should be taken. Summer is hot and dry, with outdoor temperatures often exceeding 50 ℃. The temperature of asphalt pavement can reach 80 ℃, and the levels of ultraviolet, ultraviolet B, and infrared radiation can reach 60%. When going out, it is important to pay attention to sun protection, cooling, and hydration.

FDA

Kuwait's agriculture is underdeveloped, and most of the food is imported, with a relatively rich variety. The government has strict food safety inspections, and the quality and hygiene of food are good.

Urgent Help

Emergency hotline (fire alarm, bandit police, first aid): 112.

Consular Protection Contact Information of the Embassy in Kuwait

Embassy duty phone number: 00965-25325668

Embassy security phone number: 00965-60794359.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs' 24-hour global consular service emergency hotline is 12308.

air traffic

Since September 2020, Kuwait Airways has been operating direct flights from Kuwait City to Guangzhou. Please check the specific flight operation information on the official website of China Airlines.

Kuwait International Airport is 16.5 kilometers away from Kuwait City. The airport is quite busy, with nearly a hundred flights taking off and landing every day and transporting over 13 million passengers annually. It is one of the important air transit stations in the Gulf region.

Ke International Airport has a total of 5 terminals, with T1, T3, T4, and T5 currently in operation. Terminal 2 is still under construction and is expected to be completed and put into operation by 2025.

land transport

There is no railway system within Kuwait, and land transportation is mainly by car. Vehicles on Ke Road drive on the right side, with advanced urban transportation planning and facilities. Highways are convenient and connected to neighboring countries such as Iraq and Saudi Arabia. The number of cars owned by Ke is large, and the road traffic is relatively congested during peak commuting hours. Kuwait has a fast driving speed, so it is important to pay attention to traffic safety when traveling.

There are many car rental companies in Kuwait. Car renters must hold a valid visa and international driver's license, be at least 18 years old, and pay a certain amount to purchase insurance from a local insurance company for one month. Kuwait recognizes driver's licenses from other Gulf countries, but Chinese driver's licenses cannot be used locally.

water communication

Kuwait only has freight and military ports, and no civilian waterway transportation.

Urban transportation

Ordinary households in Kuwait generally own two to three cars and rely mainly on self driving for transportation, with an underdeveloped public transportation system. There is no subway in Ke, and bus routes are mostly concentrated between migrant worker settlements and their construction sites. Taxi fares can be negotiated between the driver and passengers, usually starting from 1 dinar.

Kuwait has three types of public transportation buses: KPTC, city buses, and KGL buses. Bus stops generally do not have detailed station descriptions, only indicating the number of lines that will pass through this station, but there will be a bus route map inside the bus.

Website and consultation hotline:

KPTC： website: www.kptc.com.kw ； Phone: 1880001

Phone: 1882211

KGLBUS：22245169

major city

1. Kuwait City

The capital of Kuwait, the political, economic, and cultural center of the country, the location of national government agencies, foreign missions, banks, companies, museums, and ancient city walls. The famous Baiyang Palace is a state guesthouse and also the place where the Emir receives letters from foreign envoys and holds state banquets and international conferences. The Shif Palace is the office of the Emir and the government. The cultural facilities in the city include Jabir Cultural Center, Abdullah Salim Cultural Center, National Museum, Science Museum, Islamic Art Museum, Talig Museum, Planetarium, and the highest academic institution, Kuwait University. In addition, there are hundreds of creatively designed and uniquely shaped mosques scattered throughout the city.

2. Ahmadi Province

Ahmadi Province is located on the Bulgan oil field in the Adan Hills. It rose as an oil city and is therefore known as the 'City of Oil'. Built in 1948, it is 42 kilometers away from the capital city of Kuwait.

3. Jehra Province

Located near Iraq, it is a gathering place for conservative members of the Coptic religion, and foreign visitors must strictly adhere to Islamic religion and local customs.

Commodity prices

Due to geographical limitations, Kuwait's main resources are oil and natural gas, and there is basically no agricultural or pastoral production.

Kuwait has been implementing a price subsidy policy since its independence, and prices have remained relatively stable. The government of the country implements a supply card system for its citizens, providing price subsidies for goods listed on the supply card, such as rice, flour, sugar, milk powder, vegetable oil, etc., and implementing price limits for other essential items not listed on the supply card, such as steel, cement, lime bricks, etc. used in construction. Science provides highly subsidized water, electricity, and fuel services to all residents living in the country, with fuel subsidies accounting for 60%, water and electricity subsidies accounting for 40%, and 1 kWh of electricity being less than 20% of the cost. The government is studying the cancellation of subsidies for water, electricity, and fuel.

Science and commerce are well-developed, with numerous large shopping malls, supermarkets, and wholesale markets. The supply of commonly used goods is abundant and diverse, but due to the vast majority relying on imports, prices are relatively high.

Exchange rate: 1 dinar (referred to as "kodi") ≈ 3.24 US dollars ≈ 23.576 Chinese yuan (updated in November 2023); 1 USD ≈ 0.31 kodi (updated in November 2023); 1 subject=1000 Fields (Files)

Kuwait's various consumer venues accept payment in Dinar cash or international credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, and currently do not accept UnionPay payments. We generally do not accept direct foreign exchange payments.

The main banks in Kuwait include: Central Bank of Kuwait, National Bank, Gulf Bank, Kuwait Commercial Bank, and Al Ahri Bank. In addition, Kuwait has many private banks that provide reasonable foreign currency exchange services.

Insurance Medical

Kuwait has good sanitation conditions and no typical multiple diseases. The medical service facilities are well-established, with numerous public and private medical institutions, which are uniformly coordinated and managed by the Ministry of Health. The country is divided into 5 medical districts, each with a public hospital providing round the clock emergency services. In addition, Kuwait also has various specialized hospitals, such as thoracic hospitals, cardiac hospitals, neurological hospitals, children's hospitals, dental hospitals, and burn hospitals.

The reserve of scientific drugs is abundant, but the requirements for doctor's prescriptions are very strict. Some drugs that can be freely purchased in European and American countries require a doctor's prescription in the scientific field. Sedatives can only be purchased with a specialized prescription. Anyone can take medicine from the public hospital pharmacy with a prescription issued by a doctor, but the doctor needs to indicate the patient's ID card number on the prescription. Each district has pharmacies, and each pharmacy in the district takes turns opening at night to ensure that there is at least one pharmacy operating in the district every night.

According to the regulations of the Ministry of Health, Kuwaitis can receive free medical treatment at various public hospitals and clinics. Children born to stateless individuals or women married to foreign nationals who participate in medical insurance only need to pay 1 to 2 Kuwaiti dinars for medical treatment. If they do not participate in medical insurance, they need to pay 5 to 10 Kuwaiti dinars. Foreigners who participate in medical insurance and seek medical treatment in public hospitals are required to pay 2 registration fees and 5 medical fees in community hospitals; Large hospitals require payment of registration fees for the 5th department, emergency departments require payment of medical fees for the 5th department, and outpatient departments require payment of medical fees for the 5th department. The reference standard for medical expenses for non participating medical insurance personnel in general hospitals is as follows: surgical treatment fee of 10 departments; The hospitalization fee for ordinary hospitals is 10 wards per day; The cost of radiology examination is 50 degrees; During the visit to the maternity and infant hospital, the cost of medical treatment for pregnant women with residency permits is 10 days per visit, and the cost of delivery is 50 days per visit (including 3 days of hospitalization, with a daily hospitalization fee of 10 days beyond the time limit). The cost of medical treatment for temporary visiting pregnant women is 30 days per visit, and the cost of delivery is 400 days per visit (including 3 days of hospitalization, with a daily hospitalization fee of 70 days beyond the time limit); The cost of different dental services varies between 2-35 departments.

Starting from April 10, 2000, the department implemented a mandatory medical insurance plan for foreign nationals. Foreigners must pay medical insurance premiums before applying for or extending their residence, and the validity period of their residence is directly linked to the validity period of their insurance. There are multiple insurance companies that offer medical insurance services. Generally, groups of 15 or more people can purchase insurance, with an annual cost of around 75 koku per person, and can afford medical expenses of 5000 koku per person. The personal insurance cost is around 125 koku per year, and the insurance amount varies depending on factors such as age. Since 2017, the government of Science and Technology has tightened insurance and medical policies for foreign nationals, and increased the fee standards. When applying for long-term residency, foreign nationals are required to purchase a minimum of 125 units of insurance per year from a private insurance company, as well as 200 units of government mandated insurance and a handling fee of 50 units. The medical expenses of each hospital have also increased.

Customs taboos

1. Holidays and festivals

Kuwait is a traditional Muslim country, with Islam as the state religion and a large number of Sunni believers. Ke is closed on Fridays and Saturdays, with Friday being Islamic Sunday. Some business locations are closed before 12:00 am on Fridays. Fixed holidays include January 1st (New Year's Day), February 25th (National Day), and February 26th (Liberation Day). Religious festivals change according to the Islamic calendar (also known as the Hijra), including the Islamic New Year, the Prophet's Creed, the Feast of the Nativity, the Eid al Fitr, and the Eid al Adha. Eid al Fitr usually has a 3-day holiday, while Eid al Adha usually has a 4-day holiday.

2. Etiquette and Etiquette

Kuwait is a country of etiquette, warm and hospitable, honest in dealing with people, and very particular about politeness. There are many forms of greeting and small talk, with different language and expressions used at different times and occasions. When greeting, say: 'May Allah bless you' or 'May peace come to you'. Festival celebrations, weddings, funerals, promotions, wealth creation, and childbirth all have their own specialized terms for congratulations and condolences.

3. Ramadan customs

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, known as "Ramadan" in Arabic. Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islam, the month of worship, the month of psychological adjustment, or the month of the revelation of the Quran. The night of the 27th day of Ramadan is known as the 'Kadir Night' in Islam. It is said that on this night, Allah sent down the Quran, pointing out the way to the right path for mankind. During the month of Ramadan, government departments and business premises may change their working hours. Please make sure to plan ahead.

According to Islamic regulations, during Ramadan, Muslims around the world who are of age and in good health are required to "fast" for the entire month. From sunrise to sunset, eating and smoking are prohibited. The main activities of Ramadan include:

(1) Breaking the drum to announce the dawn during Ramadan is one of the important symbols during the month, similar to the ancient Chinese tradition of striking the watch.

(2) Singing the nursery rhyme "Kil'jan": The most interesting activity during Ramadan belongs to "Kil'jan". The lyrics mean: Kil'jan, Kil'jan, thousands of households welcome Ramadan. Let's fast, everyone fast! year after year. Children's happiness, family reunion. Eliminate diseases and disasters, and ensure the safety of mother and child. Kilgjian, Kilgjian, thousands of households welcome Ramadan.

(3) Farewell to Ramadan Ceremony: Three days before the end of Ramadan, devout Muslims usually hold a farewell ceremony in a mosque, inviting renowned reciters to recite the Quran and bid farewell to Ramadan.

(4) Eid al Fitr: Eid al Fitr is one of the most important holidays for Muslims, as it signifies the completion of the tasks of Ramadan. Meanwhile, Eid al Fitr is also one of the happiest and liveliest festivals for Muslims, with a three-day national holiday.

(5) Congratulations visit: As soon as Eid al Fitr arrives, men from various districts start visiting each other to celebrate the holiday.

4. Clothing

The traditional ethnic costumes of Kuwait are basically the same as those of residents in other Arab countries in the Gulf region. The current formal attire in Kuwait is for men to wear a white or checkered headscarf lined with a knitted carved white hat. The ends of the headscarf hang down from the chest, and a headband made of double looped black silk rope is worn on top of the headscarf to maintain stability. Wearing a black cloak style coat. Wear white robes in summer and dark woolen layered robes in winter. Pedal slippers, no socks, even for formal occasions. The formal attire for women is to wear a black silk cloak that covers the entire body from head to toe, exposing only the face. Wear a face mask when going out with "Bedouin" women.

5. Diet

Kuwait prohibits alcohol and pork consumption throughout the country, with a focus on Arabic and South Asian (Indian and Pakistani) cuisine. There are also some Western and Asian style restaurants as well as several Chinese restaurants.

6. Funeral

The funeral customs in Kuwait follow the Islamic tradition, which holds that when a person passes away, they return to the side of Allah. Therefore, excessive grief and extravagance are considered against Allah's will. The deceased was washed by relatives at home and coated with spices such as rose oil and aloe vera oil, and wrapped in cotton cloth; Before burial, the deceased will be carried to the mosque where relatives and friends will pray for them. When Muslims are buried, they face the holy city of Mecca. A new widow must comply with the 'Date', which means that within 4 months and 10 days after her husband's death, she must not see any other men outside of her immediate family to determine if she is pregnant; Afterwards, the widow went to the sea to bathe, symbolizing the regaining of her freedom.

7. Taboo

Prohibition of drinking alcohol and fasting of pork. Prohibit wearing revealing clothing such as camisoles and short skirts when going out. Excessive intimacy and other vulgar behaviors are prohibited in public places.

According to local customs, do not initiate conversations or take photos with Arab women.

Kuwait strictly prohibits unmarried cohabitation and other behaviors. Regardless of nationality, unmarried pregnant women cannot obtain legal recognition for their children, making it difficult to obtain a birth certificate.

Smoking, drinking water, and eating are prohibited in public during Ramadan. Violators will be detained until the end of the month.

8. Time difference

Kuwait's time zone is UTC+3, with a time difference of+3 hours from Greenwich and -5 hours from Beijing.

Communications Power

1. Power supply voltage

The power interface type is A7 type (three flat plug), with a standard voltage of 220V-240V.

2. Communication Network

The country code for Kuwait is 965, and there is no area code within the country. You can dial directly.

Kuwait has multiple telecommunications service providers such as ooredoo, Zain, Stc, etc. They have service points at airports, major shopping malls, supermarkets, and communities, providing various communication and network services. Customers can choose according to their needs. The domestic telephone cost is generally 40 fils/minute; To make international long-distance calls, add 00+country code+area code+phone number. The cost of international long-distance calls ranges from 250 files/minute to 1 file/minute.

contact information